Monday, June 27, 2011

ITT TECH St. Petersburg Summer 2011 Graduation

Dean, distinguished faculty, honored guests and Graduates; it is real honor to be asked to present a few comments at your graduation from ITT.

The last time I was here to speak to ITT Graduates, things were in a mess. The economy had tanked, no one was hiring and the outlook was bleak. It’s tough to make an uplifting presentation when things are looking so bad…..

But tonight I come here with some GOOD NEWS.

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE):
A 2011 job outlook survey showed employers planned to hire 19.3 percent more graduates this spring than they did a year ago.

Monster .com says:
As the economy improves in 2011, IT hiring will pick up as companies implement projects they put off during the recession and rehire those laid-off project managers……

Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Pacific:
Among the more promising hiring trends: improving prospects for science and tech workers. According to Dr. Jeffrey Michael, director of the Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California he says. “We’ll see better growth in technical fields related to computers and engineering.” US News and World Report:
Early economic indicators show positive signs for the class of 2011 as its seniors prepare to enter the workforce, according to several studies by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Adecco Work Force Solutions:
Professional and business services gains contributed significantly to the overall private sector (job) additions in May. The sector added 44,000 jobs in the past month. Job growth for soon-to-be college graduates is stronger this year than last… in nearly every industry sector, says Edwin Koc, director of strategic and foundation research at NACE. Last week, the Bethlehem, Pa.-based organization released a statement …that about 53 percent of employers surveyed intend to hire more college graduates from the class of 2011 than from the previous year, a jump from less than 50 percent who reported they would hire in a fall survey.

And here at ITT they now have more job postings than candidates in several job categories.

Things are getting better. Growth is returning. For a time it will be slow and bumpy but it will be steady. For you, the Graduating class of 2011, this is really great news, because you are ready, you are well trained…. and you are well prepared.

As you move into the work place you will be catching the bottom of the new growth wave. You have the opportunity to be there with a great education and practical knowledge as things start to happen.

You can position yourself in your new job, use the tools you have acquired here at ITT to propel yourself to a great career and a rewarding future.

I firmly believe there will never be a better time to be entering the work force and starting a career than right now.

How do you catch the wave?..... How do you succeed?...... What do you do? ….. How to you make the most of this almost unbelievable opportunity?

We know you make good decisions because you chose ITT for your educational experience. We know you have a great education. Look at the history of ITT Graduates. We know that your education is well respected by business and industry. We know that you have a strong work ethic because you are here graduating.

So what’s left to do?

Go get the job…… Work hard…… Contribute to your company’s success….. Keep your eyes open for new opportunity….. Take on new assignments….. Go the extra mile….. Continue your education…..

Come back to ITT or go somewhere else, but always keep growing your knowledge base. It is the one thing no one can take away from you. Expect to be successful.

Dr. WAYNE DYER is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He's the author of over 30 books, has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows. If you watch any Public Television you have probably seen him. He makes this statement:

“Contemplate yourself surrounded by the consequences you intend to create.”

It means this: Imagine you can accomplish all you want…. The perfect life…. The perfect family…. The perfect job…. The perfect house….. The perfect car…. Robust health….. Unfathomable love.

These are the consequences, the results, you intend to create. You can have all of that and more if you

"Contemplate yourself surrounded by the consequences you intend to create."

While you’re at it…… Be sure to give back.Always remember that all of your success, whatever it may be, is just a small part of all of our successes…. In a society as complex as ours, each of us shares mutually in the success of all others. Through community service, church, volunteerism or whatever instrument is comfortable for you, always give something back.
Finally …….. I am excited for you…for each of you. Honestly, I am also a bit envious….. You stand at what now appears to be the beginning of the next really significant period of technological, societal and economic change…. You have the opportunity to play as big a part in this new era as you desire and are willing to work for. My generation’s time is passing… but yours is just beginning. We have left you with some great accomplishments to enjoy, some serious problems to be solved….. and an abundance of opportunity. There are solutions for our problems waiting to be found…. Search for them.

The opportunities are almost limitless. … Take advantage of them when they arise.
And never for get to enjoy life. It is easy to get caught up in work and career, so take some time for yourself and your loved ones… and enjoy the rewards of you labor along the way. To many wait till the end…. only to find out it’s too late.

We are all very proud of you tonight……. You have reached a true milestone in your life…..
Your next great adventure awaits…… On behalf the entire ITT family….. let me thank you for letting us be a part of your future.

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Is it too much to envision God bending over us on our final night on earth, tucking us in and kissing us goodnight? Then, as John Donne so eloquently put it, “One short sleep past, we wake eternally.” – David H. Roper